Reproduction of a coin struck from 1943 till 1945: a central "V", meaning both victory and the facial value with the inscription "CENTS" underneath flanked by two maple leaves, on which is superimposed a torch, with above the inscription "CANADA", on the left the date "1945" and on the right "2005" Lettering: V CENTS CANADA 1945 2005 TS

Reverse Designer:

Thomas Shingles

2005 - Elizabeth II - Ve-Day 60th Victory Nickel

The Canadian five-cent coin, commonly called a nickel, is a coin worth five cents or one-twentieth of a Canadian dollar. It was patterned on the corresponding coin in the neighbouring United States. Starting 4 February 2013, after the elimination of the penny, it became the smallest valued coin in the currency.

The original Victory nickel design was by Mint Master Engraver Thomas Shingles.

The V symbol on the Victory nickel has a double meaning. It serves as both a representation of Winston Churchill's V for Victory sign and of the Roman numeral V for five cents. The flaming torch in the centre of the design represents sacrifice.

The original World War II Victory nickel had 12 flat edges so it could be differentiated from a penny when it tarnished. It also included the Morse code for "We Win When We Work Willingly" along the outer edge of the coin. The new Victory nickel has a plain round edge.

The 2005 Victory Anniversary Nickel honours the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII. This special circulation coin is a representation of the 5-cent coin created in 1943 to promote the Canadian war effort.

Year: 2005
Theme: Victory Anniversary
Artist: Thomas Shingles
Mintage: 148,082,000
Notes: 60th anniversary of the end of WWII. The rim of this edition is smooth. It does not have the denticles the 1943-1945 edition had.

Other 2005 - Elizabeth II - Ve-Day 60th Victory Nickel's

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VE Day, 8 May 1945

Canada and the War
VE Day, 8 May 1945

On April 30, 1945, Hitler committed suicide. On May 5, German forces in North-West Europe surrendered. Victory in Europe, or VE, Day was officially celebrated three days later.

In Germany, where the Canadian Army fought right to the last day, soldiers were too relieved to celebrate very much. In Paris and London, Canadians joined people in the streets in an outpouring of emotion. In Toronto, thousands danced in the streets while three Mosquito aircraft dropped tickertape overhead.

PHOTO: NATIONAL FILM BOARD OF CANADA, LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES CANADA—PA114627